Principal's Message
As the Secondary Prefects, Chaplains and I drove over the ANZAC Bridge in the early dawn, we were greeted by a vibrant sky and I was reminded of God’s power and the beauty of our environment. Arriving at the Prayer Breakfast at the International Convention Centre, we were greeted by fellow participants in the annual gathering of Christian businesspeople. While prominent people from both the private and public sector prayed, I was once again reminded of the power of God.
As our 21st century culture grows more complicated and challenging, it is not always easy to respond to the issues confronting us at school, at work or at home. It is in these challenges that we know we have a God of wisdom who delights in hearing our prayers. The speaker and lawyer, Amy Brown, spoke about how she lives in the hope of God’s triumph. As she experiences challenges in finding new ways of partnering between Government and the private sector to deliver equal access opportunities, she stated that in unknown times she relies on a known God. We can do likewise.
As you read through the newsletter, delight in the blessing of God in our school community. The Big Breakfast on Wednesday morning gave us an opportunity to give back to the community of cancer sufferers through the Cancer Council. The Primary Week of Worship was an amazing opportunity for our Year 6 students to co-lead with the Chaplains in drama, news, testimony, hospitality and music.
It is with sadness that we farewell our School Bursar and Co-Curricular Coordinator Mrs Oldfield. Kelly has been an integral part in the growth of the school, and we have really appreciated her ‘can do’ attitude as she has expanded opportunities for students. We wish her well in her new endeavour.
Finally, it has been a privilege for our students to engage in various activities during Reconciliation Week that helped to build bridges of understanding and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. Our yarning circle is one small way that we provide the opportunity for our students to listen to story and learn about First Nations culture in a space that promotes equity. The West Australian newspaper recently published an article (please see link below) where our school was highlighted as an example of bringing culture and equality to the classroom through yarning circles.
May God bless us all as we work towards greater justice, understanding and equality in our school and beyond.
Mrs Julia Heise - Principal
Calendars
Calendar of Upcoming School Events
You can access the list of upcoming School events via the link below. The School Calendar is also available under the Parent Information tab on the School website.
Term Dates for 2023
Please click on the link below to view the school term dates and public holiday information for 2023.
Whole School News
Reconciliation Week
This week was National Reconciliation Week. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Some of the ways our students have experienced Reconciliation Week.....
In the Library - there are over 230 books in our wonderful library that relate to First Nations people. The students were able to enjoy the display created by Grace showcasing many of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander books. The Library also has a poster of the apology to Australia's Indigenous peoples.
In the classroom with Year 4K - they have been learning about First Nations histories, cultures and how they can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Students thoughtfully created posters to promote Reconciliation Week and presented their messages to the class.
In the classroom with the Preps and Year 6C - students had a combined learning experience to foster and support their understanding around reconciliation for the Australian people. The students participated in a range of activities including watching a short video of about reconciliation and doing diverse arts & crafts.
If your family is interested in exploring and learning more about Reconciliation Week or Australia's cultural heritage then click on the following links.
Cancer Council - Biggest Morning Tea
On behalf of the Student Representative Council, we would like to say THANK YOU for your support with this morning's Big Breakfast. It was our first time hosting a 'Cancer Council - Biggest Morning Tea' event and we are so thankful for the turnout and support of our school community to raise funds for such a worthy cause. In total we raised $1,720 - a huge success!
A big thankyou to our Student Representative Council and Supporting Staff for putting on such an amazing event for our community and in honour of cancer sufferers.
Sydney Prayer Breakfast
Our school captains and vice captains had a very early start this morning, attending the Sydney Prayer Breakfast at the ICC. The key speaker encouraged us to live in the hope of God's triumph, which is particularly pertinent when we are going through difficult times.
Mrs Julia Heise - Principal
Farewell Kelly
It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Mrs Kelly Oldfield today. Kelly started with our school as the Canteen Manager (in a very small space on our old campus) and has built it up to be one of the best in the area, the best in our opinion! In recent years she was a welcome addition to the office, firstly as our friendly front of office person and then as our invaluable accounts bursar. Kelly was instrumental in setting up our co-curricular program which has seen many students enjoy a variety of activities conveniently available on site. Kelly, we will miss your friendly face and your passion for our School.
PS And to answer your next question – yes Soks will still be visiting our school and classes!
Mrs Alyssa Potts - Business Manager
Sailing Champion
Lachlan W and team from Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club have been completing in the Sailing Champions League sailing regattas over the last few months.
The team qualified to compete in the NSW State Finals in Newcastle 15/16 April finishing 2nd. They raced again in the Asia Pacific Finals in Sydney 20/21 May finishing 3rd in the Open division and 2nd in the Youth (under 23) division. The regatta saw 16 competing crews face challenging conditions over the 2 days with westerlies ranging from 8-35 knots!
The team has now qualified for both the Sailing Champions League Open World Titles in Travemunde, Germany in July and the Sailing Champions League Youth Finals in Kiel, Germany in September.
New Basketball Jerseys
Students from both the Primary and Secondary Schools have been enjoying a new set of Basketball Jerseys. They have looked fabulous on the court in all of the latest games.
Primary School News
Primary WOW
‘God’s Grace for God’s Outlaws’ was the theme for our Primary Week of Worship where we explored God’s Grace in the Wild, Wild West. Our Year 6 teams led every aspect of the program – from hosting, singing, drama, praying, videos, preaching to working diligently behind the scenes as programming assist, camera crew, tech and junior chaplain.
Each team worked incredibly hard to create a worship experience where the Primary students and staff would see Jesus and experience his grace. Pastor Justin shared the adventures of David in the bible, he even abseiled from the top balcony to demonstrate what courage can look like.
As the drama unfolded each day, we saw the quiet courage of the town teacher, Miss Becky, with the help of the townsfolk (especially Sheriff and Deputy Conner) stand up against the outlaws, Roof and Doof, who were bullying Harry the Hatmaker and causing chaos in the Western Town of Pontypandi. On our final day, our townsfolk (led by Miss Becky) chose to show grace to the outlaws. It was amazing to see how God gives us grace, even though we don’t deserve it.
Pr Renee - Chaplain
Weaving a Story
Some of our keen Primary student weavers are participating in lunchtime workshops to develop their skills so they can weave images of the Aboriginal flag and Choose Kind on the Weaving Wall installation in the primary play space. A big thank you to Karen and Jeanne, two of our mums, who are giving their time each week to run the workshops. If you have scrap fabric or clothing that can be ripped into strips, please send them in to the office so we can use recycled fabrics in the weaving installation.
Mrs Julia Heise - Principal
Year 2 Fairy Bread Project
Our brilliant Year 2 students have been learning all about procedures in their writing lessons. This week they have put their newfound skills to the test as they write their very own Fairy Bread procedures. From choosing the perfect bread to mastering the art of sprinkle distribution, they have used their creativity and attention to detail to complete their work.
Mrs Georgia Ah-You - Year 2
Year 5 Science Desert Survivor Unit
As part of their Science Desert Survivor unit Year 5 students were challenged in creating a desert succulent garden as well as a desert diorama. Those cacti will love the sun on our school balcony!
Mrs Leisly White - Head of Science
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Primary School Sport
The students over the past few weeks have been learning the fundamentals of skipping, hand eye coordination and gymnastics. Friday sport the students have been participating in soccer with Mr Fulton, Basketball with Jeri, gymnastics with Moving bodies and fun exhilarating games with Motiv8.
Upcoming events - Basketball Stage 3 try outs lunch time Friday the 5th for Gala Day on the 15th of June. Cricket Gala held at school lunch time 7th and 9th of June
Mr Jack Fulton - Primary Sports Coordinator
Secondary School News
Sherlock Holmes Silent Film Excursion
Year 11 Extension English students activated ‘detective mode’ on Sunday the 21st of May, visiting the State Library of NSW for a screening of the 1916 silent film Sherlock Holmes. Students have been studying Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories and comparing them with the many interpretations of the beloved character. The screening included live music from Mauro Colombis, an internationally recognised silent film accompanist. “It was really interesting seeing a silent film live for the first time… the music was incredible, especially considering the pianist improvised throughout many scenes.” (Noah C) “It was incredible to watch a timeless film come to life; one we've been privileged to understand in English class.” (Alexander M)
Miss Chapman - English Teacher
Art Club & Year 7 Art Students
We have been very excited in the Artlabs over the last two weeks as Year 7 students and Art Club members been working hard on their ceramic designs.
Students in Year 7 have been creating Picasso-inspired clay faces and have learnt the correct techniques and methods of slab clay building. Whilst the Art Club members on a Monday afternoon have been busy designing their mugs. The next step is to fire in the kiln and choose colours for glazing!
Miss McCartney - Art Teacher
High School Sports
CSSA State Cross Country
Last Thursday, Wahroonga’s Secondary Cross Country team competed at the CSSA State Cross Country competition. The CSSA State Cross Country competition is a highly competitive event with the top 4 runners from each age and school attend and compete. Some of our students have been training on Tuesday mornings with Mrs Metz as part of our running club.
In addition to the CSSA State Cross Country competition, we are also excited to announce that nine of our students have qualified to attend the CIS Cross Country competition. Congratulations.
Basketball Exhibition Match – Avondale High
Our Open Boys and Open Girls Basketball teams recently competed against Avondale High in a basketball match at Avondale School. With great teamwork and skill, both our teams came out victorious. The boys team won with a score of 43-21, while the girls team won with a score of 32-17. It was a great effort by all players involved, and we are proud of their hard work and dedication.
Special mention goes to Mary and Ella, who scored 4 three-point shots each during the game. Their outstanding performance contributed significantly to the Open Girls’ success. Our senior players like Danny and Jack helped lead the Open Boys team to a dominating win. This was the second time we have faced Avondale, and we are thrilled to have won again. Well done!
Mr Ignatius Ah-You - Secondary Sports Coordinator
Library News
Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to Brendan C (KD), Delta B (KW), Allister L (KW), Cade T (2A), William L (2J), Leighton E (3L), Jonas F (3L), Jahanaz G (5C), Amy P (5C), Sophia T (5C), Ernest C (6C) and Ella M (8A) who have all finished the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Awesome effort!
The Premier’s Reading Challenge does not finish until the end of August so there is still plenty of time to complete it. Please email Mrs Savage at library@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au if you need your User ID and Password. Happy Reading!!
National Simultaneous Story Time
On Wednesday, May 24 Wahroonga Adventist School tuned in to the National Simultaneous Story time along with over 2 million other students from across Australia and New Zealand. The featured story, ‘The Speedy Sloth’ by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie, is an inspiring story that celebrates all winners . . . especially those who don’t come first. Soks, our school dog, also joined in and had a great time visiting with the Year 1 and 2 classes and listening attentively to the story!
Upcoming Library Events:
August 18: P-4 Book Week Performance ‘Way too Cool’ & Premier’s Reading Challenge entries due
August 19-25: CBCA Book Week ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’ & 5-6 Library Bag Podcasts
August 25: P-6 Book Week dress up day, Theme: Inspiring book characters
Mrs Leonie Savage - Librarian
Wellbeing
eSafety Resources
As parents and carers you know your child better than anyone and have the best opportunity to support and guide them to have safer online experiences. The Australian eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) has a comprehensive suite of up-to-date information and resources to support parents and carers in creating a safer and more positive online experience for children and young people.
If you have questions or concerns around cyberbullying, gaming, screen time, gaming or sexting/nudes and porn, please take the time to review the eSafety parent resources via the link below.
Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop Hours
The uniform Shop is open Thursdays during the school term from 8:30am – 12pm during the school term.
Mrs Meagan Sullivan - Uniform Shop Manager
Home and School
Term 2 Events
Pizza and Movie Night
Term 3 Events
Meals with Love
We would really welcome and appreciate some support with our Meals with Love, a donation of a home cooked meal to go into our freezer would be received with much gratitude. So next time you are making lasagna or a cooking a soup, feel free to make an extra large proportion and contribute to our Meals with Love.
Next Meeting
Tuesday 13 June 7pm - All welcome
Mrs Michelle Roberts - Home and School President (homeandschool@wahroonga.adventist.edu)